Minister of State for Information Affairs, the government’s official spokesperson, Samira Ibrahim Bin Rajab welcomed Bahrain International Circuit hosting the fourth round of Grand Prix Formula 1 during the period from April 19 to 21. The minister considers it as an international sporting event that has civilized, political and development dimensions, and will return various economic interests for the Kingdom.
The minister described this world championship as a message of friendship and peace from Bahrain to the whole world, for it is not only a circuit for sporting competition, but a global gathering place for various nations, cultures and civilizations to meet and have dialogue. The minister highlighted that the event is accompanied by entertainment events, and various artistic shows reflecting the growing international confidence in the political and security stability, as well as the cultural and media openness in Bahrain.
The minister denounced that some foreign media have dealt with the Grand Prix in Bahrain from a purely security perspective, which involves exaggeration, distortion of facts and provoking terror among sports teams, citizens and residents.
The minister stressed that Bahrain is secure and stable and has a pioneering democratic and reformist experience in the region, and has succeeded in organizing this race for nine years in a row since 2004, as well as attaining the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Cup Award for the best organization, and has not witnessed any security, administrative or regulatory problems.
The minister pointed out that there are top security measures taken in such great international occasions, as well as securing and providing of all the needs of the media delegations and guests, saying that Bahrain International Circuit is located in Sakhir, which is considered one of the most peaceful, secure and stable areas in the world.
The minister reinforced that Bahrain considers such world event as a civilized project that reflects its pioneering position on world map, for it is the homeland of motor-sports in the region, and a distinctive and an economic center in the light of the provision of all success potentialities including hospitable people, qualified national cadres, and a modern infrastructure. It also includes an encouraging investment climate and a model of democracy, development and dialogue in line with the reform project.
On the other hand, Minister of Information Affairs highlighted Bahrain’s aspiration to achieve various gains out of hosting Grand Prix Formula 1, including direct economic returns estimated $ 1.8 billion in nine years, and revitalizing the tourism, aviation, trade, hotels and restaurants sectors. This will be accomplished by attracting more than 100 thousand visitors, encouraging family tourism, providing about three thousand temporary jobs, and other media and propaganda gains.